Putter grip

ABSTRACT

Golf putter grips for use with the arm-lock putting technique counteract the inherent forward lean of the putter shaft and putter head when the technique is used. In an embodiment the grip is configured to convert a traditional or a body-anchored putter to a putter capable for use with the arm-lock putting technique. The putter grip  100  includes a proximal grip end  110,  a distal grip end  120,  a medial grip side  170,  and a lateral grip side  180.  The putter grip  100  covers an upper portion of a conventional putter shaft S. A surface of the putter grip  100  on the lateral grip side  180  is configured to rest in contact with the forearm F of the user during the putting stroke.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.61/932,219, filed Jan. 27, 2014, the disclosure of which is herebyexpressly incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Golf putter grips are governed by a separate set of rules than othergolf club grips under the United States Golf Association (USGA). TheUSGA has published a new rule that will disallow body-anchored puttersto be used in sanctioned events starting Jan. 1, 2016. An example of abody-anchored putter is a “belly” putter, which a player rests againsttheir abdomen throughout the golf putter stroke for increased stability.Body-anchored putters typically have longer shaft sections thantraditional putters to extend beyond the hands of the player and contactthe body.

As an alternative to a body-anchored putting technique, some playershave shown preference for the arm-lock technique, which is still legalunder the USGA rules. In this regard, a player rests the end of theputter grip against the inside of their leading forearm throughout thestroke. Arm-lock putters, like body-anchored putters, are typicallylonger than traditional putters. Due to the mechanics of the arm-lockgrip, the putter shaft is dramatically ahead of the putter head, causingthe putter head to lean forward during the stroke when compared to atraditional putter head during a stroke. Therefore, a need exists for agolf putter grip that counteracts forward lean of the putter shaft andhead when a player is using the arm-lock putting technique. The puttergrip of the present disclosure can also be used to convert phased-outbody-anchored putters to arm-lock putters.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a golfputter grip is provided. The golf putter grip generally includes anelongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximalend, a lateral side, and a medial side, wherein the lateral side restsagainst a user's forearm during use. The elongate body further includesa channel to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open endat the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by theproximal end of the elongate body. The channel is disposed at an anglewith respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end isdisposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to themedial side of the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closerto the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of theelongate body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golfputter is provided. The golf putter generally includes a shaft defininga shaft axis, a putter head, and a grip including an elongatecylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, alateral side, and a medial side, wherein the lateral side rests againsta user's forearm during use. The elongate body further includes achannel to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open endat the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by theproximal end of the elongate body. The channel is disposed at an anglewith respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end isdisposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to themedial side of the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closerto the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of theelongate body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golfputter grip configured to convert a standard-loft golf putter to aforearm-anchored golf putter is provided. The golf putter grip generallyincludes an elongate body defining a central axis and a channelextending through the body. The channel receives a golf putter shaft andextends from a first end of the body at least partially to a second endof the body. The channel defines a channel axis that is disposed at anangle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the centralaxis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongatebody may define a central axis, and the channel may be disposed at anangle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the centralaxis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the closedend of the channel may be between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from theproximal end of the elongate body.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongatebody may include a cylinder having a maximum transverse dimension of notmore than 1.75 inches.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the lateralside of the elongate body may have a flat surface portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongatebody may be frustoconical.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the lateralside of the frustoconical elongate body may have a flat surface portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongatebody may be a right circular cylinder defining a cylinder axis, and thechannel may be disposed at an angle of between 1.5 degrees and 5.0degrees with respect to the cylinder axis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the golfputter grip may further include a shaft extension disposed in thechannel and abutting the closed end of the channel.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the golfputter grip elongate body may include a polymeric core with an overwraplayer fixed to the polymeric core.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, thepolymeric core may include enlarged end portions.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the grip mayinclude a polymeric core having enlarged end portion and an overwraplayer fixed to the polymeric core.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a putter grip formed in accordancewith the present invention, showing the putter grip coupled to a puttershaft (shown in phantom);

FIG. 2 is a close-up environmental view of the putter grip shown in FIG.1, showing the putter shaft in broken line inside of the putter grip;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG.1 through section 3C-3C;

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter gripformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG.4A through section 4C-4C;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter gripformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG.5A through section 5C-5C;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter gripformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG.6A through section 6C-6C; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a puttergrip formed in accordance with the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as adescription of various embodiments of the present invention and are notintended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described inthis disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration andshould not be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise formsdisclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeablewith other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the sameor substantially similar result.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to providea thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, thatthe invention may be practiced without embodying all of the specificdetails. In some instances, well-known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure variousaspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated thatembodiments of the present invention may employ any combination offeatures described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as“forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “righthand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,”“advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. Thesereferences, and other similar references in the present application, areonly to assist in helping describe and understand the particularembodiment and are not intended to limit the present invention to thesedirections or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers.Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to beconsidered restrictive, but exemplary of particular embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to golfputter grips for use with the arm-lock putting technique. In general,golf putter grips described herein counteract the inherent forward leanof the putter shaft and putter head when the arm-lock putting techniqueis used. Golf putter grips in accordance with the present invention maybe provided on a new putter or configured for converting traditional orbody-anchored putters to putters capable of use with the arm-lockputting technique.

A first embodiment of a putter grip 100 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 1-3C. The putter grip 100 includes aproximal grip end 110, a distal grip end 120, a medial grip side 170,and a lateral grip side 180. The putter grip 100 covers an upper portionof a conventional putter shaft S. In this embodiment, the putter grip100 is about 20 inches in length. In other embodiments, the putter grip100 may be any length suitable for a putter grip.

The putter grip 100 is designed for use with the arm-lock puttingtechnique, generally depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this regard, as canbe seen most clearly in FIG. 2, part of the surface of the putter grip100 on the lateral grip side 180 rests in contact with the forearm F ofthe user during the putting stroke. Although one method of arm-lockputting technique is shown, the embodiments of the present disclosuremay also be used in other types of putter applications, includingalternative hand placement configurations within the arm-lock puttingtechnique, which are also within the scope of this disclosure.

The putter grip 100 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 3A-3C. FIG. 3A is aperspective view of the putter grip 100, FIG. 3B is a top view of theputter grip 100, and FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the putter grip 100through section 3C-3C. The putter grip 100 includes an internal channel130 configured to receive the putter shaft S (see FIG. 2). The channel130 has an open channel end 140 at the distal grip end 120 andterminates in a closed channel end 150 near the proximal grip end 110.In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 130 terminates between about0.1 inches and 0.5 inches below the proximal grip end 110. In otherembodiments, the channel 130 may terminate further from the proximalgrip end 110. A pinhole (not shown) connecting the proximal grip end 110to the closed channel end 150 may be optionally included, for example,to facilitate water drainage from the putter shaft S.

As described above, the mechanics of the arm-lock putting techniqueplace the putter shaft S ahead of the putter head H, such that theputter shaft S has an inherent forward lean when the putter head Hstrikes the ball. The putter grip 100 of the present disclosure isconfigured to counteract the forward lean caused by the arm-lock puttingtechnique. In this regard, the channel 130 is angled within the puttergrip 100 with respect to the body of the putter grip 100. In order toproduce the angled configuration, the closed channel end 150 of thechannel 130 is relatively near the medial grip side 170 and the openchannel end 140 is relatively near the lateral grip side 180.

For example, in some embodiments, the minimum thickness (i.e., betweenthe grip 100 outer surface and the channel 130) on the medial grip side170 at the closed channel end 150 is between about 0.1 inches and 0.3inches, and the minimum thickness on the lateral grip side 180 at theopen channel end 140 is between about 0.1 inches and 0.3 inches. Inother embodiments, these minimum thicknesses may be between 0.0 inchesand 0.5 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the outer shape of theputter grip 100 is frustoconical. In that regard, the maximum diameterof the putter grip 100 occurs near the proximal grip end 110 and theminimum diameter of the putter grip 100 occurs near the distal grip end120. Under USGA rules, the maximum transverse dimension, or diameter, ifthe grip is circular, is 1.75 inches. However, putter grips within thescope of the present disclosure may have maximum transverse dimensionslarger than 1.75 inches for use with other sanctioning bodies or fornon-USGA sanctioned events. In alternative embodiments, the taper of thefrustoconical putter grip 100 may not be constant along the length ofthe grip, and may result in an arcuate profile. In alternate embodimentsdescribed in more detail below, the cross section of the putter grip mayalso be non-circular, and may consist of any mixture of arcuate andpolygonal shapes.

The configuration of the channel 130 within the putter grip 100 causesthe assembled putter shaft S to exit the distal grip end 120 of theputter grip 100 at an angle relative to the body of the putter grip 100.In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the putter shaft S relativeto the body of the putter grip 100 is between about 1.5 degrees and 5.0degrees. In other embodiments, the angle of the putter shaft relative tothe body of the putter grip may be any angle possible within theboundaries of the putter grip.

The putter grips of the present disclosure are preferably made from apolymeric material to enhance gripping and comfort characteristics.Examples of suitable polymeric materials include rubber, urethane, andsilicone. In some embodiments, the putter grip may also includeadditional materials to enhance the grip characteristics. As an example,a plurality of cotton cords may be embedded in the material.

Additional embodiments of putter grips in accordance with the presentinvention are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.4A-6C. The putter grips are substantially identical in materials andoperation as in the previously described embodiment, except fordifferences regarding the shape of the body of the putter grip whichwill be described in greater detail below. For clarity in the ensuingdescriptions, numeral references of like elements of the putter grip 100are similar, but are in the 200 series for the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 4A-4C, in the 300 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS.5A-5C, and in the 400 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS.6A-6C.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 200 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of theputter grip 200, FIG. 4B is a top view of the putter grip 200, and FIG.4C is a sectional view of the putter grip 200 through section 4C-4C.Except as described below, the putter grip 200 is substantiallyidentical to the putter grip 100, including an angled channel 230 havingan open channel end 240 at the grip distal end 220, disposed relativelynear the medial grip side 270, and a closed channel end 250 near theproximal grip end 210, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side280. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 200 furtherincludes a flat grip portion 260 extending from the proximal grip end210. For brevity and clarity, the description of similar aspects willnot be repeated.

The flat grip portion 260 is disposed on the lateral grip side 280 andmay be used in the arm-lock method to further stabilize the putter grip200 against the forearm F of the user. In this regard, the flat gripportion 260 interfaces the forearm F of the user to provide resistanceto torsion of the putter during use. In the illustrated embodiment, theflat grip portion 260 terminates about 1 inch from the distal grip end220. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the flat gripportion 260 may terminate between 1 inch and 10 inches from the distalgrip end 220, or may extend completely to the distal grip end 220. It iscontemplated that more than one flat grip portion may be located atdifferent areas of the putter grip 200.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 300 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of theputter grip 300, FIG. 5B is a top view of the putter grip 300, and FIG.5C is a sectional view of the putter grip 300 through section 5C-5C.Except as described below, the putter grip 300 is substantiallyidentical to the putter grip 100, including an angled channel 330 havingan open channel end 340 at the grip distal end 320, disposed relativelynear the medial grip side 370, and a closed channel end 350 near theproximal grip end 310, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side380. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 300 issubstantially a right circular cylinder. In that regard, the outersurface of the putter grip 300 does not taper from the proximal grip end310 to the distal grip end 320, but remains constant in diameter. As aresult, the channel 330 may be disposed at a larger angle than in theputter grip 100 due to the larger diameter of the putter grip 300 nearthe distal grip end 320. In particular, the open channel end 340 may befurther toward the lateral grip side 380 than was possible in thefrustoconical putter grip 100.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 400 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of theputter grip 400, FIG. 6B is a top view of the putter grip 400, and FIG.6C is a sectional view of the putter grip 400 through section 6C-6C.Except as described below, the putter grip 400 is substantiallyidentical to the putter grip 200, including an angled channel 430 havingan open channel end 440 at the grip distal end 420, disposed relativelynear the medial grip side 470, and a closed channel end 450 near theproximal grip end 410, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side480. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 400 furtherincludes a flat grip portion 460 extending from the proximal grip end410 similar to the embodiment of the putter grip 200. The flat gripportion 460 is disposed on the lateral grip side 480 and may be used inthe arm-lock method to further stabilize the putter grip 400 against theforearm F of the user. In this regard, the flat grip portion 460interfaces the forearm F of the user to provide resistance to torsion ofthe putter during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat gripportion 460 terminates about 1 inch from the distal grip end 420. Inother embodiments of the present disclosure, the flat grip portion 460terminates between 1 inch and 10 inches from the distal grip end 420. Inother embodiments, the flat grip portion 460 extends completely to thedistal grip end 420. Likewise, more than one flat grip portion may belocated at different areas of the putter grip 400.

The putter grips of the present disclosure may be manufactured using avariety of suitable methods. In some embodiments, the grips may bemanufactured using more than one piece, allowing the manufacturer toindependently adjust material properties of each piece. One method ofmanufacturing the putter grips may include producing multiple layers,which are combined to form a putter grip assembly.

An embodiment of a multilayer putter grip 500 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 7. The multi-layer grip 500 may beinclude geometric features of any of the previous embodiments, includingan angled grip channel 530 having an open distal end 540 and a closedproximal end 550. The multilayer putter grip 500 may be provided with abase grip layer 590 made from rubber, urethane, or silicone. To completethe assembly of the multilayer putter grip 500, the base grip layer 590is wrapped with an overwrap layer 592, which may be manufactured using afirmer material, for example, a polymer, leather, textile, or syntheticblend. The base grip layer 590 may optionally include raised sections,as shown in FIG. 7, as an end cap 594 and a collar 596. The raisedsections are configured to aid in locating the overwrap layer 592 on thebase grip layer 590. The overwrap layer 592 may optionally includesurface texture features, for example, voids, channels, or cords, inorder to further enhance grip characteristics. In other embodiments, thegrip may be manufactured using a single piece, or may include more thantwo pieces in its construction.

In some instances, embodiments of the present invention may be used toconvert traditional putters, generally having shorter shafts thanbody-anchored putters, to putters capable of use with the arm-lockputting technique. In this regard, an optional shaft extension 598 maybe disposed in the channel 530 such that the shaft extension 598 abutsthe closed proximal end 550. Although the shaft extension 598 is shownwith the multilayer putter grip 500 of FIG. 7, the shaft extension 598is compatible with any of the embodiments of the invention, as shown anddescribed herein. When the shaft extension 598 is used, the shaft of atraditional putter (i.e., a shorter shaft) would interface with theshaft extension 598 to allow the arm-lock putting method to be used withthe traditional putter. In some embodiments, the shaft extension 598 maybe molded into the putter grip during the manufacturing process. Inother embodiments, the shaft extension 598 may be inserted into thechannel 530 before or during installation of the putter grip.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to beprotected, are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, as claimed.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A golf putter gripcomprising: an elongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end,a proximal end, a lateral side, and a medial side, the lateral sidebeing configured to rest against a user's forearm during use; whereinthe elongate body further comprises a channel configured to receive agolf putter shaft, the channel having an open end at the distal end ofthe elongate body and a closed end closed by the proximal end of theelongate body; and wherein the channel is disposed at an angle withrespect to the elongate body such that the channel open end is disposedcloser to the lateral side of the elongate body than to the medial sideof the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closer to themedial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of theelongate body.
 2. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongatebody defines a central axis, and wherein the channel is disposed at anangle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the centralaxis.
 3. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the closed end of thechannel is between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from the proximal end ofthe elongate body.
 4. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein theelongate body comprises a cylinder having a maximum transverse dimensionof not more than 1.75 inches.
 5. The golf putter grip of claim 1,wherein the lateral side of the elongate body includes a flat surfaceportion.
 6. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate bodyis frustoconical.
 7. The golf putter grip of claim 6, wherein thelateral side of the frustoconical elongate body includes a flat surfaceportion.
 8. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate bodyis a right circular cylinder defining a cylinder axis, and the channelis disposed at an angle of between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees withrespect to the cylinder axis.
 9. The golf putter grip of claim 1,further comprising a shaft extension disposed in the channel andabutting the closed end of the channel.
 10. The golf putter grip ofclaim 1, wherein the golf putter grip elongate body comprises apolymeric core with an overwrap layer fixed to the polymeric core. 11.The golf putter grip of claim 10, wherein the polymeric core comprisesenlarged end portions.
 12. A golf putter, comprising: a shaft defining ashaft axis; a putter head; and a grip comprising an elongate cylindricalor tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, a lateral side, anda medial side, the lateral side being configured to rest against auser's forearm during use, wherein the elongate body further comprises achannel configured to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having anopen end at the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closedby the proximal end of the elongate body, and further wherein thechannel is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongate body suchthat the channel open end is disposed closer to the lateral side of theelongate body than to the medial side of the elongate body and theclosed end is disposed closer to the medial side of the elongate bodythan to the lateral side of the elongate body.
 13. The golf putter gripof claim 12, wherein the elongate body defines a central axis, andwherein the channel is disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0degrees with respect to the central axis.
 14. The golf putter grip ofclaim 12, wherein the lateral side of the elongate body includes a flatsurface portion.
 15. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein theelongate body is frustoconical.
 16. The golf putter grip of claim 12,wherein the elongate body is a right circular cylinder defining acylinder axis, and the channel is disposed at an angle of between 1.5degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the cylinder axis.
 17. The golfputter grip of claim 12, further comprising a shaft extension disposedin the channel and abutting the closed end of the channel.
 18. The golfputter grip of claim 12, wherein the grip comprises a polymeric corehaving enlarged end portion and an overwrap layer fixed to the polymericcore.
 19. A golf putter grip configured to convert a standard-loft golfputter to a forearm-anchored golf putter, the golf putter gripcomprising: an elongate body defining a central axis; wherein theelongate body further comprises a channel extending through the body,the channel configured to receive a golf putter shaft, the channelextending from a first end of the body at least partially to a secondend of the body; and wherein the channel defines a channel axis, andfurther wherein the channel axis is disposed at an angle between 1.5degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.
 20. The golfputter grip of claim 19, wherein the lateral side of the elongate bodyincludes a flat surface portion.